Media Release: Paddy’s hits the ‘silver screen’

A TOUCHING tribute to one of the world’s oldest markets will feature as part of this year’s Glasgow Film Festival.

The acclaimed short film, entitled For Fur A Fiver, portraying the struggle for survival of traders at Glasgow’s historic Paddy’s Market, is being shown as part of a celebration of the work of new filmmakers from Scotland.

Director, Silje Eirin Aure, said: “I am very excited that my film was chosen but I have to admit I am a little nervous about seeing the film at the CCA with a large audience.”

The film, documenting the traders’ campaign to try to keep the market open, was made last summer. At the time of the film, traders had been told that the 150-year-old market was to close for good. But since then, the stall holders have been assisted by supporters and some councillors and it is now hoped that many of the families will be able to continue working in the area in a new-look Paddy’s, under the guidance and control of Glasgow City Council.

Altogether, eight short films are being showcased on Saturday February 14 at the CCA in Sauchiehall Street to give some recognition to young and upcoming filmmakers. Eirin Aure, a Visual Communication graduate of Glasgow School of Art originally from Norway, developed a fascination and affection for Paddy’s when she came to Glasgow to study.

She said: “I like markets in general. I’m not one for picking up a coffee mug with a city name on it when I travel, but prefer to maybe buy a souvenir that feels more like an unique treasure. Probably because I like things with stories. Besides, I like the buzz of markets, and when visiting a new place I quite like to not just visit the most obvious tourist sights.

“As I’m not from here, my knowledge of the market is just through what I’ve read and the time I have spent there making the film. However, many people I have spoken to have memories of Paddy’s Market from when they were kids, and it obviously is a place that has meant a lot to a lot of people. And still does.

“I felt very well taken care of when I was making the film. Paddy’s is like a little community, and the two things that I probably came to appreciate the most was the generosity as well as the great banter. I would hope that there would be room for places like Paddy’s Market, even in a rejuvenated Glasgow.”

One of the traders featured in the documentary, Hazel McGeachen, who has been at the forefront of the campaign to save the market, said: “I think a lot of people feel that Paddy’s is part of the cultural fabric of the city. Paddy’s has long been a place of interest to artists and we hope to welcome other young artists here in the future.”